Kansas City[1] is a large, major midwestern city on the border of Missouri and Kansas. It is the largest city in Missouri with a population around 450,000 people, and more than 2 million in its metropolitan area (2005 estimate).

View of Kansas City from the top of Liberty Memorial. Union Station is in the foreground, with the rest of KC's skyline in the background.

Kansas City is a city that tends to hide itself from tourists. Having reportedly more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome, it can be a beautiful city, too. Two neighboring cities sharing the same name: Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO. They are known locally as KCK (verbally expressed as each letter) and KCMO (verbally expressed as letters "K" then "C" then the sound of the last two letters together, sounding like the word "mow"). Kansas City, Missouri is the predominant city of the metropolitan area.

The suburbs are largely south of the central city, though the area north of the Missouri River (known locally as the Northland) is beginning to experience growth similar to the south. Numbering of east/west streets begins at the Missouri River with the east/west division occurring at Main Street. Westport is around 40th St., the Plaza at 47th St., Brookside at 55th, and Waldo beginning around Gregory (71st St.).

Due to the lack of any large body of water nearby, KC experiences a continental climate with large swings and extremes of temperature. Winters vary from mild to very cold, with significant snow at times, and temperatures occasionally dipping to single digits and below 0°F (-18°C). Snow accumulation occurs 3-5 times per year, on average, sometimes exceeding a foot (31 cm). KC enjoys very pleasant spring and autumn weather, but suffers hot, humid summers. It is not uncommon for the temperature to stay above 90°F (32°C) for weeks at a time, during July and August. Because of the heat, almost all buildings in KC are equipped with air conditioning. While KC has relatively high humidity, the most common weather is clear with almost completely blue skies. The majority of the rain falls in Apr-Jun, but even in these wettest months, rain is light, compared to other cities in the region.

Downtown Kansas City is generally defined as the areas including the River Market, the central business district (the "Loop"), the Crossroads Arts District, Crown Center and Union Station.

After years of neglect and decay in the 1980s and 1990s, downtown is making a comeback. Many once-abandoned buildings in downtown have been (or are being) rebuilt into high-dollar condominiums and loft apartments. The demand for residences downtown is quite high. In October of 2007, the Sprint Center sports arena was completed, bringing a modern sports and entertainment venue to the downtown core. The Power and Light District was constructed and opened in 2008. The "P&L" District comprises 5 high rise residential and office towers, with many clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops on the lower floors. A new performing arts center south of the convention center area opened in 2011.

The "Downtown Council" [2] operates security and cleaning/maintenance crews, who keep downtown's streets clean and serve as a security presence. Downtown is one of the safest areas of the city, both day and night.

Traveling north to south, the River Market is the first neighborhood one encounters, south of the banks of the Missouri River. A burgeoning urban neighborhood, it houses many shops, restaurants, bars, and a very active farmers' market that convenes every Saturday, even in winter.

The expressways form a loop around the central business district (CBD). Crossing the north segment of the loop takes you from the River Market to the CBD. This is where Kansas City's famed skyline reaches its greatest heights, further accentuated by its position on top of a sizable hill. The CBD has the principal concentration of white-collar employment in the metro area. The world headquarters for H&R Block is located here, within the P and L District.

From here, crossing the south segment of the loop will bring a visitor into the Crossroads Arts District, which is a regional center for art, culture, and nightlife.

When crossing Pershing, Union Station and Crown Center are seen, which houses shops, restaurants, and offices, including the world headquarters of Hallmark. The nearby Liberty Memorial [3] is the world's first World War I memorial and has spectacular views from the top. Just south of Crown Center is Union Hill, another revitalized area offering some of the best skyline views in the city.

A visitor enters Midtown when they cross 31st Street. A largely residential area, it is the largest single named neighborhood in the city, and actually includes a number of smaller neighborhoods, like Hyde Park, Squire Park, Sheraton Estates, Ivanhoe, Coleman Highlands, Roanoke, Volker, Westport, Southmoreland, Valentine, North Plaza, and many others.

Just south of Midtown is the Country Club Plaza, known locally as "the Plaza", an outdoor shopping center, modeled after Seville, Spain. Farther south is the Waldo/Brookside area marked by more bars and a wonderful pre-war neighborhood. Further south, the city gives way to suburban development, which continues for about 10-15 mi (16-24 km), before giving way to rural farmland and pastures.

Kansas City International Airport (IATA: MCI) [4], serves the Kansas City area and is located in the Northland. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority [5] offers hourly service to and from the airport on the #129 bus, called the I-29 Express [6], M-F 5AM-7PM. $1.25. KCI Shuttle [7] offers a shuttle service between the airport and downtown hotels.

Amtrak serves KC via the recently renovated and cavernous Union Station, located at Main and Pershing. KC serves as a major stop on the daily Southwest Chief[9], line which provides service between Chicago and Los Angeles. Barring delays, eastbound trains depart at 7:26AM and westbound trains depart at 10:55PM. Kansas City is also the western terminus of Amtrak's Missouri River Runner[10], which provides twice-daily service to and from St. Louis with connecting service to Chicago.

Interstate 435 forms a ring around the city. Notably I-70 goes east to St. Louis and west to Denver. I-35 is a major corridor running northeast and southwest. I-49 runs north and south and forms a midtown expressway, running from the I-435/I-470 interchange, in a northwesterly course toward downtown, where it joins I-29. North of the River, US 71 follows the same route as I-29. For more information about navigation in the metro area see the Kansas City Metropolitan Area Wikipedia Article [11].

The national map companies produce book style maps that can be purchased at many grocery and book stores. Local real estate agents and delivery drivers use a book map produced by a local company in the crossroads district but it is hard to find. The one inside the Feist directory is good and can often be obtained locally for free but the directory itself may be too bulky to carry.

Addresses on east-west streets are numbered from Main Street in Kansas City, MO, and on north-south streets from St. John Ave. (or the Missouri River, in the River Market area). The direction 'South' in street and address numbers is generally implied if 'N' is not specified, except for numbered 'avenues' in North Kansas City. In most of Wyandotte County, Kansas the north-south streets are numbered and the address numbers are measured from Riverview Ave.

The KCTV pyramid shaped tower can be seen from many parts of the city and is well lit at night. It is next to KCPT studios at the corner of 31st and Main. It is orange.

West and North of that is the Liberty Memorial cylinder shaped tower, which overlooks Union Station.

The twin red brick towers of American Century Investments are oriented north and south along Main at 45th St. They are just north of the Country Club Plaza. The Kemper Museum is slightly east. The Nelson Atkins Museum is east and slightly south.

Kansas City Community Christian Church at 4601 Main, has a group of lights that shoot a beam straight up at night. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the church. It is slightly south of and across the street from the American Century Investment Towers. The Nelson Atkins is to the east and the Kemper Museum is to the north and slightly east.

Bartle Hall has a section that looks somewhat like a north-south suspension bridge crossing over I-670 at the southwest corner of the downtown loop. It has four towers with metal sculptures on top of each tower.

One Kansas City Place is the tallest building in KC (as well as the state). The building walls are entirely black glass and the top has a red/white/blue light ring that can be seen at night. Located on 12th and Main in downtown.

Brookside refers to the Brookside residential neighborhood as well as the collection of shops between 63d and Meyer off Brookside Blvd.

Waldo refers to the Waldo Residential District in Kansas City, Missouri near 75th St. and Wornall Rd.

The Country Club Plaza ("the Plaza") is an upscale shopping district built by the J.C. Nichols Co. in the 1920s.

39th St. usually refers to the small section of West 39th St. between State Line Road and Southwest Trafficway. Often referred to as the "39th St. Corridor, " it has many restaurants, bars and shops, and is just across the state line from the University of Kansas Medical Center.

University of Kansas Hospital (KUMED) is the corporate name of the hospital on the KU Medical Center campus.

Benton Curve, a site of many accidents, is a curve on I-70 where it crosses Benton Ave.

Three Trails Crossing is the new name for the former Grandview Triangle and is the intersection of three major highways: I-435, I-470, and US Highway 71 (Bruce R. Watkins Drive). In the past it was notorious for fatal accidents but improvements and upgrades on the Triangle have mostly been completed.

Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., named for former mayor and current Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, comprises recently renamed portions of 47th St. and Brush Creek Blvd.

18th and Vine Historic District contains the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum.

Library District is a recently defined district around the new Central Library at 14 West 10th St.

Strawberry Hill is a historical area in Kansas City, KS.

Hospital Hill is the area near 23rd and Holmes. It is home to Truman Medical Centers and Children's Mercy.

Argentine is a part of Kansas City, KS near 30th and Argentine.

The Crossroads Arts District is a downtown neighborhood between the CBD and Union Station, centered around the intersection of 19th St. and Baltimore. It contains dozens of art galleries and is considered by many to be the center of the arts culture in the metropolitan area. Local artists sponsor exhibits there on the first Friday of each month.

Quality Hill is an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood on top of a hill downtown, across the river from the Kansas City Downtown Airport|Charles B. Wheeler Airport.

Washington-Wheatley is a historically African-American/black neighborhood southeast of the 18th and Vine District.

The Metro[13] bus is feasible within the urban core, where most of the tourist destinations are located. The MAX (Metro Area eXpress) and #57 buses connect downtown, Crown Center, Westport, the Plaza, Brookside, and Waldo. There are other lines that can drop you fairly close to your door in KCMO as well as limited stops in outlying suburbs such as Kansas City, KS, Independence, Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, the Northland, etc. There service to the casinos.

Standard fare is $1.50/trip with transfers available from the bus driver that expire two hours after issue. Some lengthy and express routes may cost more. You may purchase a One Day Pass on the bus. The Day Pass is good for local service only. It is issued at the farebox and expires at midnight. Upon boarding, request a Day Pass before depositing the $3 exact change into the farebox. Most major routes use buses that are equipped with bike racks.

The JO

If you are needing bus service in Johnson Co., KS (Overland Park, Mission, Fairway, Leawood, Olathe, Lenexa, Westwood, Merriam, Shawnee) you can access "The JO" [14] bus service. It also has lines that run from downtown KCMO to Johnson County and vice versa. The stops are limited and far apart.

Service on "The JO" is limited mostly to morning rush hour, mid-day, and evening rush hour. Fares are $1.25 for trips that begin and end in Johnson Co., $1.75 for trips that go start or end in Downtown KCMO. Transfers are available. Most buses are equipped with bike racks.

Central Business District - Downtown Kansas City houses many beautiful art deco buildings as well as examples of mid-century design and modern glass towers.

Power and Light District - New development showcasing restaurants and rowdy bars/clubs. Also see the historic Main Street Theater (now a 6-plex) which is now the Flagship theater for AMC who has their HQ in Kansas City. The theater is said to be one of the most advanced theaters in the country complete with vibrating seats.

Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, [19]. Has a visitor center, theatres, restaurants, shops, the Amtrak station and the following attractions. Also, the nation's second largest train station with ceiling over 100 ft (31 m) tall.

National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial, 100 W 26th St, [23]. Tu–Su 10AM–5PM (4:15PM for the tower). The memorial is the world's first for WWI. Take an elevator to the observation deck at the top of the 200-ft (62 m) obelisk for spectacular views. $8 museum, $4 tower elevator, $10 both.

Crown Center - Home of Hallmark Cards and the Hallmark Visitors Center and Museum.

The Country Club Plaza - The nation's first shopping center designed for the automobile. It offers high-end shops and restaurants in a quaint European atmosphere. The architecture is modeled after Seville Spain and includes a replica of the Giralda Tower.

First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District, (gallery crawl between Downtown and Crown Center), [27]. 7PM-9PM on the first Friday of each month. This area has been called the SoHo of the Midwest by the New York Times. Many art galleries are open late on these Fridays, attracting a growing crowd of art enthusiasts. You can walk between galleries, or hop the free trolley. Summer months are typically the most busy and entertaining. Entry to most galleries is free. Some charge for refreshments.

Swope Park Zoo

Ward Parkway - A tree-lined Boulevard, just south of the Country Club Plaza, that takes you past stately homes. The houses are home of some of Kansas City's elite including the family that owns Russel Stover's Candies and the Applebee's family among others. The historic houses were built in many different styles, inspired by European architecture.

Roanoke Park- A sort of run-down looking area, but the housing around it is remarkable. Some old mansion-sized houses dot the landscape, interspersed with a number of small but very well-designed houses. The park itself is beautiful, if crumbling. It is a bit difficult to get into- navigators are your friend.

Ameristar Casino, 3200 N Ameristar Dr, ☎+1 816-414-7000, [32]. 3,000 slot and video poker machines and 60 table games. Live poker room is among the largest in the area. Also has its own microbrewery in Amerisports. You can purchase their beer throughout the casino floor as well.edit

Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium (Kansas City Aquarium), 2475 Grand Blvd, ☎(816) 471-4386, [56]. 10am-7pm. Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium will transport you into the amazing underwater world. Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays.(39.081788,-94.580437)edit

39th Street West[73] located roughly between State Line Rd. and Southwest Trafficway.

Halls

Crown Center

Great Mall of the Great Plains (in Olathe, KS)

Zona Rosa

119th Street (Suburban Kansas) The area east of the Sprint HQ is home to a number of shopping complexes like Town Center Plaza. The area is also home to two new centers: Leawood Park Place and One Nineteen. Park Place is a highly dense, mixed use suburban town center catering to local retailers.

Antiques: KC has many unique things you will not find on the coasts. The best places to poke around are estate sales and whatnot in the outlying farm areas -- they throw nothing away. Check out the River Market Antique Mall for 4 stories of vendors selling something between trash and treasure. The West Bottoms warehouses host antique and estate sale auctions on the weekends, look to the KC Star for details.

Crossroads Arts District [74] Highly inspiring mix of shops ranging from apparel to home design. Shops are scattered throughout this gritty district of former warehouses and industrial spaces. The district is also one of the largest collections of art galleries and studios in the Midwest.

City Market Area: once called the River Market (and before that the River Quay back when mobsters used to end up in trunks with bullet holes). Like Times Square, they chased out the venerable old peep shows and dive bars. Now the neighborhood hosts a farmer's market, live music during the summer from major acts, and the Steamboat Arabia Museum which hosts the largest collection of prewar silver in the world -- recovered from a large paddlewheeler that went down in the 1830's.

Method, 1529 Grand Blvd (one block south of Sprint Center), [76]. 4PM-10PM. Fine clothing for men, modern event space. From classic to modern, streetwear, prep, casual and dress, as well as high-end women's accessories. Racks of magazines and books in the lounge area, local art, and vintage furniture.$$. edit

The major grocery store chains in Kansas City are Hy-Vee (with most locations open 24 hours), Price Chopper, and Aldi. In addition Walmart the nation's largest discount store chain, has several stores in Kansas City and its suburbs, most of which are also open 24 hours. Many specialty and organic supermarkets such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's can also be found throughout the area.

"Who has the best barbecue in Kansas City?" is a question that causes much debate in Kansas City. Although the debate is usually in good humor, be ready for a passionate explanation which may take some time (or a light-hearted argument if asked in front of more than one person). Although the different restaurants each have their own unique flavors, they will usually have a sauce which is thicker and sweeter than offered in most other parts of the U.S.

Kansas City is also home to a barbecue dish that is rarely found outside the area, called "Burnt Ends." These are the overcooked ends and edges of a brisket, which although dry and chewy, are amazingly smoky and full of flavor (much more flavorful than any other cut). If you are feeling open-minded about your KC barbecue experience, they are definitely worth a try.

Arthur Bryant's, 1727 Brooklyn original location, [77]. It has pictures on the wall of presidents and other famous people who have visited. The sandwich consists of a large pile of brisket and two pieces of butternut bread. One sandwich could feed three people. Ask for sauce for take-outs. Bryant's signature sauce is a vinegar based sauce with slight lower neutral overtones. There are alternate, sweeter versions of the sauce available. There is a security guard in the parking lot at night.edit

B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ, 1205 E 85th St, ☎816-822-7427, [78]. B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ is situated in an old roadhouse in south Kansas City, and serves Kansas City-style barbecue. All the ribs, sausage and meats are slow-smoked in a 60 year old pit with apple wood. B.B.'s prides itself on having a slightly more varied list of sides than the typical establishments in the area. This often includes Cajun/Creole staples such as Boudin Balls & Jambalaya. However, BB's is best known for live Blues, Zydeco, and other various types of live music six nights a week.edit

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue, 4 locations, [79]. Jack Stack is considered to be the Kansas City area's "High Class" BBQ resturant (Although Jeans & T-shirts are perfectly acceptable) Jack stack offers one of the largest varieties of meats in the metro area. Choices can vary from lamb ribs, to prime rib. Jack Stack's sauce is extremely similar to Gates sauce in that it is sweet, but slightly less tangy than Gate's version. Notable sides include their hickory pit beans and cheesy corn bake.edit

Gates, [80]. When you walk in, you will immediately hear: "Hi, may I help you?" So, if you're eating in, and you have absolutely no idea what to order, shout back "Beef and a half on bun", "Mixed Plate" (Mixed plate includes ribs, sliced ham & sliced turkey) or "Burnt End on Bun". Guy Fieri of the Food Network once declared the Burnt End On Bun to be his single most favorite meal in the country. Gates Sauce is world famous and widely considered to be one of the best sauces available. It is sweet & tangy with very slight vinegar undertones.edit

Haywards, College Blvd and Antioch, Overland Park, [81]. Great onion rings and the BBQ sauce is one of the most unique in the city. Also known for very juicy Burnt Ends.edit

LC's, 5800 Blue Pkwy (head E on Ward Pkwy from the Plaza), [82]. Though not much to look at, don't let the barred door and admittedly intimidating surroundings scare you off; specialties here include sandwiches that feed two and thick cut fries.edit

Oklahoma Joe's, KC, KS, [83]. Situated in a gas station/liquor store in Kansas City KS, Oklahoma Joe's has quickly established itself as the "Pulled Pork King" of the area. Pulled pork is the self proclamed specialty, but just about all things swine are amazing. Walk around to the serving line and have some of the best ribs in KC. The Z-Man sandwich (Beef brisket and melted provolone topped with two onion rings) and the "Carolina Style" (served open-faced with cole slaw) are also favorites. Anthony Bourdain included Oklahoma Joe's in his "13 Places To Eat Before You Die" list published in GQ magazine. Lines are punishingly long during lunch, but very well worth the wait. Call in and go to the front register for a take out order. edit

Jess & Jim's Steakhouse, 517 E. 135th St. Kansas City, MO 64145, ☎+1 816 941-9499, [87]. The quintessential Midwestern steakhouse. Known for the 25 oz. Playboy Strip that put this little place on the national map. USA Today declared Jess & Jim's one of the nation's top steakhouses and former US president Bill Clinton is known to stop in when he visits Kansas City.edit

Brewers: Recently rated the country's third-best craft brewer[89], beers from Boulevard Brewing Co.. are now distributed coast to coast and are on tap in virtually every bar and restaurant in KC. Wheat and Pale Ale are its most venerable brand, but its popular Pilsner and specialty line of beers, including Tank 7 and saisons, are also notable. Live Music Venues: Uptown Theatre (Midtown, on Broadway and Valentine) hosts lots of up and coming acts and many timeless performers play here because it is so famous. Beaumont Club is a soulless Westport C&W club that hosts live music but has acoustics' issues and a mechanical bull. The Grand Emporium used to be one of the best blues clubs but after being bought by the owners of the Beaumont they changed it considerably, including the name to Tao. *John's Upper Deck, 928 Wyandotte Street Kansas City, MO 64105 (Neighborhoods: Central Business District, Greater Downtown), ☎(816) 474-5668. (per "Rock H." on yelp.com, Four Stars) Atmosphere: When the weather is nice, the deck is the place to be. Gorgeous. Skyline, fans if needed, open air and nice conversation acoustics of course. Food: I've had a handful of items and they were all very good, except maybe the wings, but that's been a year+, so maybe they're better now. Half price appetizers most of the time. Unbeatable. Drinks. $2 Domestics. One night, before Freaker's Ball down the street at Midland, Domestic beers were $1. ONE DOLLAR! The Negatives: The deck is up what amounts to about 5 flights of stairs, and the steps were a little slick. Not a big deal normally, except the bathrooms are on the first floor. Still, not a showstopper. Karaoke. It's a super pleasant experience until the LOUD music/karaoke begins. That's when a lot of people bail out. A really solid bar and grill and unique experience. $. edit$. edit

JJ's. JJ's is a laid back, wine and martini type bar that generally caters to older patrons, but the drink selection is good and the bartenders friendly. The outdoor patio is heated so it can be enjoyed during most of the year. Closed due to a disaster.edit

O'Dowd's. O'Dowd's is a standard Irish Pub but features live music often and is one of the more upbeat places on the Plaza. Features an open air rooftop bar.edit

Tomfooleries. Tom's (as it is frequently referred to) is a restaurant by day and bar by night. The downstairs is generally quieter and calmer than upstairs in the evening. There is also a patio area outside. The cheapest place to drink on the Plaza, as domestic beer is $2 after 9PM. A good place to start the night.edit

Balanca's Pyro Room, 1809 Grand, ☎816-474-6369, [93]. 6p-3a. Balanca's prides itself on the diversity of its crowd - it's not unusual to see drag queens drinking and dancing with cowboys and hip-hop aficionados in the downstairs bar, while goths play pool in the upstairs bar with yuppies and hipsters. It's weird, but it works. edit

Bulldog, 17th and Main Sts.. Cocktails and fine eats served in nice atmosphere.edit

The Cashew, 20th and Grand. Open air cafe feel to this two-story bar. In the summer months, the windows are raised up (think: "garage door") and both stories gain a relaxing breeze and a nice view of the city. Occasionally has live music, popular stop during First Fridays.edit

Westport Flea Market, 817 Westport Road, ☎816-931-1986, [97]. 11a-1a, kitchen closes at 11p. Regularly voted Kansas City's best burger, the Flea has a full food menu, but is really more about drinks and hanging out. Live music on Sundays, karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, chess on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays. Relaxed crowd, pool tables and pinball. 23 beers on tap.edit

Hampton Inn Kansas City-Near Worlds of Fun, 4233 N. Corrington Avenue, ☎816-452-1010, [99]. Just one mile from Kansas City’s best amusement park and under half a mile from the water park, Oceans of Fun. Features free hot breakfast daily and free high-speed internet in every room.edit

Courtyard Kansas City Country Club Plaza (Historic Courtyard Marriott Plaza), 4600 JC Nichols Pkwy, [106]. In the heart of the Plaza. The hotel has free wifi, complimentary parking, refrigerators and microwaves in every room and bar.edit

The Hilton President Hotel, (sign reads 'President' in P and L District). edit

Hotel Phillips, 106 W 12th St, [107]. Renewed through a $20 mil restoration project, a luxury boutique hotel. First opened in 1931, the hotel is on the National Registry of Historic Places, cited as a classic example of Art Deco architecture. Walnut paneling and marble floors.edit

The Marriott Hotel, 12th and Wyandotte (Convention District). 22-floor hotel that connects to the historic Muehlebach Hotel. Most recognizable at night, when the front of the hotel shows a light display from dusk-11PM.edit

Like most major cities, the tourist and business areas (downtown and the Plaza) are generally safe day and night, but it is always best to be aware of your surroundings. It's also best to be especially cautious during the evenings and night around the P and L District, where there has been an increase in crimes. Most violent crime happens during the late nighttime hours. Neighborhoods east and southeast of the downtown/midtown/Plaza areas are experiencing an increase in violent crime. These areas offer little for visitors and are best avoided.

KC is in Tornado Alley, so make sure you check the local weather forecasts and make sure you understand what to do during a tornado. Tornado sirens are in place to warn of incoming twisters. The system is tested every month on the first Wednesday at around noon. If you hear the sirens any other time, they're serious!

Kansas City is one of those places where hidden in darker corners, you will find the gems, the places to visit and go. Rarely do things jump out at you and say: come visit this attraction, food, shopping, or historical establishment. Pick up a Pitch Weekly for nightlife information. If you want to relax and enjoy a walk, check out Loose Park just south of the Country Club Plaza. During the spring and fall, it's one of the most beautiful places to stroll. When you are done there are plenty of other beautiful and majestic cities in this region like Omaha, Chicago, Saint Louis, Independence, Lee's Summit, and Des Moines.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!